Mount assembly

ABSTRACT

Described herein is a mount assembly for mounting a device to a surface, including: a socket assembly; a mounting element including a mounting ball formation receivable by the socket assembly to pivotally couple the mounting element to the socket assembly, where the socket assembly includes a resilient member configured to define a socket to receive and engage the mounting ball formation, the member configured to permit the mounting ball formation to be urged into the socket against a resilient bias; the mount assembly further including a surface interface member configured to provide a frictional interface between the outer surface of the mounting ball formation and an inner wall of the socket defined by the resilient member.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a mount assembly for mounting a deviceto a surface. In particular, but not exclusively, the present inventionrelates to a mount assembly for mounting an accessory in a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Camera systems for vehicles such as, for example, on-board camerasystems, dashboard cameras, in-vehicle systems, etc. are increasing inuse and popularity. Such camera systems are sometimes referred to as“Dash Cams” because they are often mounted to a vehicle dashboard. Theyare often installed into a vehicle after the overall vehicle has beenmanufactured, as an “after-sales” modification or personalisation of thevehicle by a user and are employed as a means to capture images of anarea in and/or around a vehicle. Images captured by such systems may beused as evidence in the case of an accident, damage, or the like. Often,such camera systems are configured to continuously record video footageof a view through a windscreen of a vehicle in which they are mounted.Such camera systems may be attached to the interior of the vehiclewindscreen or to the top of the dashboard of the vehicle.

Some known camera systems are operative to capture an image, a sequenceof images, and/or record video footage when the vehicle is started,responsive to a user input, and/or automatically responsive to detectionof movement of the vehicle.

Typically, a camera is mounted to the superstructure of the vehicle orwindow by way of an adhesive or suction attachment coupled to the camerathrough an arm so that the camera field of view is not obstructed by theadhesive or suction attachment or superstructure of the vehicle.

In a typical mount assembly, the arm may be movably attached to one, orboth of the attachment or camera. Such an attachment can comprise a balland socket joint, in which a socket may be tightened around a ball byway of a screw thread and nut arrangement or some other mechanism. Thismechanism can serve to prevent movement of the arm so as to maintain itsorientation, and thus that of the camera, relative to the surface towhich the mount assembly is attached.

A typical mount assembly as described above may be composed of plasticmaterials. Such materials may degrade over time through repeatedheating-cooling cycles, such as experienced in an in-vehicleenvironment. This may cause the stiffness of an interface between balland socket joint and a tightening arrangement to lessen over time, whichmay result in the position of the arm relative to the attachmentchanging over time, e.g. from a user-set operating position. Such achange may need to be corrected by the user, by repositioning the armrelative to the attachment and by tightening the screw thread and nutarrangement.

A typical mount assembly as described above may not be suitable for aball and socket joint where the joint comprises a channel therethroughto provide a conduit for routing, for example, an electrical cable tocouple electronic circuitry in the attachment to electronic circuitry ina device-coupling element of the assembly. Excessive rotation and/orpivotal movement of the arm relative to the attachment from afactory-designed range of operating positions may be undesirable,because excessive rotation and/or pivotal movement of the arm relativeto the attachment may cause damage to the electrical cable.

A typical mount assembly as described above may not be suitable forin-vehicle use, where the assembly may experience vibrations,acceleration forces and deceleration forces. In combination, suchvibrations, acceleration forces and deceleration forces may cause ascrew thread and nut arrangement to unfasten until, in a potentialscenario, the nut is completely uncoupled from the screw thread. Thismay pose a hazard because, in certain circumstances, the arm may becomeuncoupled from the attachment, which may result in the arm (and anyaccessory attached thereto) detaching from the attachment and travellingthrough a vehicle cabin.

The present invention has been designed with the foregoing in mind.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided amount assembly for mounting a device to a surface, comprising: a socketassembly; a mounting element comprising a mounting ball formationreceivable by the socket assembly to pivotally couple the mountingelement to the socket assembly, wherein the socket assembly comprises aresilient member configured to define a socket to receive and engage themounting ball formation, the member configured to permit the mountingball formation to be urged into the socket against a resilient bias; themount assembly further comprising a surface interface member configuredto provide a frictional interface between the outer surface of themounting ball formation and an inner wall of the socket defined by theresilient member.

In order to produce a frictional force that is capable of maintainingthe position of the mounting element via the resilient member alonewould require significant contact between the resilient member and themounting element. This may incur substantial wear on the ball formationof the mounting element, and require a considerable force from the userwhen altering the orientation of the mounting element. The inclusion ofa surface interface member introduces a frictional force into the systemthat reduces the frictional force required from the resilient member,alleviating the compressive forces acting on the mounting ball formationand potentially reducing the wear experienced by this feature uponreconfiguration.

Optionally, the surface interface member may comprise a non-abrasivematerial. Reducing the abrasive nature of the surface interface membermay reduce the wear experienced by the ball thereby increasing thelongevity of the device, whilst still providing a frictional force topromote an element of control over the orientation of the mountingelement and therefore orientation of the device.

Optionally, the surface interface member may comprise a resilientmaterial. This may ensure durability of this feature and may potentiallyimprove the size of the frictional force that it is capable ofsupplying, thus further reducing the inwardly compressive force requiredof the resilient member and subsequent wear and stress on the mountingball formation.

Optionally, the surface interface member may comprise an elasticmaterial. Elastic compression of the surface interface member may reducewear as, by definition, any compression this member experiences does notcause permanent deformation. Configuring the surface interface member tobe compliant in this way may improve the mechanical coupling of thisfeature to the mounting ball formation, further giving rise to africtional force distributed over a greater region of the mounting ballformation.

Optionally, the surface interface member may comprise a malleablematerial. This may mitigate against the mounting ball formation slippingwithin the socket assembly, and potentially may present a greater areaover which the frictional force can act, thus improving the ability ofthe mount assembly to maintain the orientation of a given device.

Optionally, the surface interface member may comprise a silicone type orsilicone material. This may further introduce an element of durabilityas silicone type materials are typically able to maintain manyproperties at a large range of temperatures.

Optionally, the surface interface member may be disposed on an innersurface of the resilient member, or within the base of the socketdefined by the resilient member.

Optionally, the resilient member may comprise a plurality of resilientmembers. This may aid in the definition of the socket, and in thereceiving of the mounting ball formation. The plurality of resilientmembers may encourage a flexing of the socket upon the insertion of themounting ball formation reducing wear on this component duringinstallation. The plurality of resilient members may also provide asocket that is able to expand or contract depending on the mounting ballformation size to ensure a better coupling of these two features.

Optionally, the socket assembly may further comprise a biasing elementto bias the plurality of resilient features into from the socket. Thismay ensure the preservation of the socket configuration of the resilientmember when placed under stresses such as an increase in temperature ora force acting to dislodge the mounting ball formation.

Optionally, the socket assembly may further comprise a retention elementwhich is configured to supply a resilient bias to limit deflection ofthe ends of the plurality of resilient features away from the socket.This may provide a method of supporting the configuration of theresilient features into a socket, thus enabling the force required ofthe biasing element to be reduced. When combined with the retentionelement, the parameters of biasing element that define the lower limitsof the dimensions of the socket may be relaxed, as the retention elementprovides an inward bias to contribute to this effect, enabling thebiasing element to act as a fortifying component rather than the soledefiner of the socket size.

Optionally, the retention element may comprise a shroud configured toform a portion of a housing of the socket assembly, the shroudcomprising an aperture into which ends of the plurality of resilientmembers can extend, the aperture defining a limit to which the ends ofthe plurality of resilient members can be deflected. This may act tosimultaneously define the size of the socket for the mounting ballformation, and also to form part of the housing of the socket assemblyitself.

Optionally, the mounting element may rotatable with respect to thesocket assembly. This may allow for the mounting element to be supportedwithin the device at a range of orientations.

Optionally, the biasing element may comprise a resiliently biased memberwhich in turn may comprise a spring member and/or an elastic materiallocated around the resilient member, e.g. extending around a perimeterof the resilient member. The elastic nature of the spring member and/orelastic material may improve durability of the device, as, bydefinition, elastic extension does not cause permanent deformation ofthe spring member/elastic material, thus inward bias produced by thisfeature may be maintained indefinitely.

Optionally, the socket assembly may affix to a surface and the mountingelement may affix to a device, providing a mount assembly which enablesa device to be mounted upon a given surface.

Optionally, the socket assembly may affix to a device and the mountingelement may affix to a surface, providing a mount assembly which enablesa device to be mounted upon a given surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the present invention are described furtherhereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric projection of a mount assemblycomprising a socket assembly and a mounting element in a first positionin accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric projection of a mount assemblycomprising a socket assembly and a mounting element in a second positionin accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric projection of a socket assembly inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric projection of a first portion of asocket assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric projection of a second portion of asocket assembly viewed from a first position in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric projection of a second portion of asocket assembly viewed from a second position in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric projection of a mounting element viewedfrom a first position in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric projection of a mounting element viewedfrom a second position in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 9 shows an illustrative sectional view of the mount assembly inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows an isometric projection of a mount assembly 10 comprising asocket assembly 12 and a mounting element 14 in a first position inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Themounting element 14 is pivotally coupled to the socket assembly 12 byway of a ball and socket joint. In the illustrated example of one ormore embodiments of the invention, the socket is located in the socketassembly, and the ball is located on the mounting element.

In one or more embodiments, the mount assembly 10 may be used toremovably couple an accessory to the surface of a vehicle in which it issituated. For example, a dash cam, GPS device, satellite navigationsystem, and the like may be removably coupled to a windscreen, rearwindscreen, or side door window of a vehicle.

In the illustrated example, an accessory (not shown) can be mounted on afree-end of the mounting element 14 and the socket assembly 12 isconfigured to be removably mountable to a surface, thereby providing amount to mount the accessory to the surface of a vehicle. The socketassembly 12 can be mounted to a surface, for example a vehiclewindshield, by way of a surface attachment element 13. The attachmentelement 13 may comprise a 3M® adhesive pad, a suction cup, or any othermaterial/device that maintains the mount assembly 10 in a position on asurface.

FIG. 2 is an isometric projection of a mount assembly 10 comprising asocket assembly 12 and a device mounting element 14 in a second positionin accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. InFIG. 2 the socket assembly 12 and mounting element 14 are in a secondposition relative to each other. It will be apparent that the secondposition is different to the first position of FIG. 1. The mountingelement 14 has been rotated in direction P about a y-axis using the balland socket joint. The properties of a ball and socket joint confermovement in the directions P, R and Y, i.e. about y, x and z axesrespectively (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Rotational/pivoting movement about x,y and z axes is referred to as roll (x-axis), pitch (y-axis) and yaw(z-axis) in some fields of technology.

FIG. 3 shows an isometric projection of the socket assembly 12 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The socketassembly 12 comprises: a plurality of resilient members 15 arranged todefine a socket 16; a shroud portion 18 configured to form an upper partof a socket assembly housing; and a base portion 20 configured to form alower part (a remaining part) of a socket assembly housing. The shroudportion 18 is coupleable to the base portion 20.

Base portion 20 comprises an aperture 24 to provide access to anelectrical connection port (not shown), which is configured to provide aconnection to an electronic circuit contained within base portion 20.For example, the aperture 24 provides a space to receive a USB couplingto couple an external device to the electronic circuit (e.g. comprisinga GPS circuit) in the base portion 20 of socket assembly 12.

At least one surface interface member 17 is disposed in the socket 16.The at least one surface interface member 17 is configured to provide africtional interface between the outer surface of a mounting ballreceivable in the socket 16 and an inner wall of the socket 16. In thisillustrative embodiment the at least one surface interface member 17comprises a silicon pad and provides an additional frictional contactwith the mounting ball of mounting element. The properties of the atleast one surface interface member 17 is such that it provides a soft,frictional surface that conforms to the shape of the mounting ball so asto reduce the wear of the outer surface of said ball mounting formation,and to increase resistance to movement of the mounting ball relative tothe socket.

The at least one surface interface member 17 may be situated on theinside of one or more resilient members 15 defining the socket 16, or atthe base of the socket 16.

FIG. 4 is an illustrative isometric projection of the base portion 20 ofsocket assembly. In this illustrative example, the shroud (not shown)has been removed to expose the inner elements of the base portion 20 ofsocket assembly 12. The base portion 20 comprises the plurality ofresilient members 15, which comprise four arcuate flanges arranged suchthat free ends thereof define a circular mount of the socket 16. Theplurality of resilient members extend from a surface 26 and define aspace therebetween that defines the socket 16. The socket 16 isconfigured to receive a mounting ball of mount element 14. The arcuateform of the plurality of resilient members 15 and their location withrespect to each other is such so as to space therebetween that iscomplementary to a shape of a mounting ball receivable therein. Theresilience of the plurality of resilient members 15 serves to urge theends of the plurality of resilient members 15 inwards to the space ofthe socket 16 and to resist deformation of the members 15 and deflectionof the ends thereof in an outward direction, away from the space of thesocket 16. This configuration can urge a mounting ball located in thesocket 16 into the socket 16 to maintain engagement of the mounting balland the socket 16, and resist disengagement of the mounting ball fromthe socket 16.

Channels 28, 29 define spaces between neighbouring pairs of theplurality of resilient members 15. A first set of these channels 28 canserve to receive a formation, or formations, located on a surface of themounting ball of the mounting element, where interaction of theformation(s) with walls of the channels 28 can restrict movement of themounting element relative to the socket assembly.

The base portion 20 also comprises a biasing element 30 disposed so asto exert an inwardly directed force on the plurality of resilientmembers 15. In the illustrated example of FIG. 4, the biasing element 30comprises a helical spring disposed as a sleeve around the plurality ofresilient members 15, so as to encircle the plurality of resilientmembers 15. The biasing element 30 provides a force that resists outwardmovement of said plurality of resilient members 15. Namely, it providesa biasing force inwards so that the plurality of resilient members 15are biased inwards toward the space within the socket 16. Further,biasing element 30 may maintain a uniformity of coefficient of frictionbetween walls of the socket 16 (i.e. plurality of resilient members 15)and the mounting ball during heat cycles experienced by the mountassembly in a typical environment in which the mount assembly islocated. The respective materials of the plurality of resilient members15 and the mounting ball may be different and so may have differentcoefficients of thermal expansion and/or the shape and configuration ofthe plurality of resilient members 15 are different to the shape andconfiguration of the mounting ball and so may have differentcoefficients of thermal expansion. In both cases, the presence of thebiasing element 30 may inhibit any changes in “tightness” of theassembly caused by potential differing extents of expansion/contractionof the plurality of resilient members 15 and mounting ball duringdifferent temperature conditions.

In the bottom of the socket 16 there is a bore 32 extending through thesurface 26 to an opposite side (not shown) of the surface. This isprovided so as to allow an electrical connection, such as a wire, orcable, to pass between the socket 16 and an opposite side of the baseportion 20.

The base portion 20 also comprises holes 34 that extend through thesurface 26 to an opposite side (not shown) of the surface. Such holes 34provide apertures through which fixing elements can pass to be receivedin corresponding receiving channels in the shroud portion 18. Thisarrangement serves to secure the shroud portion 18 to the base portion20. For example, screws, bolts or other fixing elements may be used forthis purpose.

FIG. 5 shows an illustrative example of the shroud 18. FIG. 5 shows theshroud portion 18 oriented so that an outer surface thereof ispresented. As previously described, the shroud portion 18 can beremovably coupled to base portion 20 by locating filing elements toextend through holes 34 of the base portion 20 to be received incorresponding receiving channels in the shroud portion 18. One of thereceiving channels 36 is shown in FIG. 5.

The shroud portion 18 comprises an aperture 38 that extends through theshroud portion 18. The aperture 38 comprises two sections havingdifferent circumferences. A first section 40 has a circumference that islarger than a circumference defined by outer edges of each of the remoteends of the plurality of resilient members 15. When the shroud portion18 is coupled to the base portion 20 the aperture 38 is located suchthat it is concentric with a circle defined by defined by outer edges ofeach of the remote ends of the plurality of resilient members 15. Thefirst section 40 of the aperture 18 can serve as a retention element tolimit deflection of ends of the plurality of resilient members outwardlyfrom the socket (i.e. in a direction away from the socket).

A second section of aperture (not shown in FIG. 5, see 44 in FIG. 6) hasa circumference that is larger than that of the first section 40 and isof a size sufficient to receive the biasing element 30 in a push-fitarrangement. That is, the circumference of the second section ofaperture 38 is large enough to encircle the biasing element 30.

The difference in circumferences between the first section 40 and thesecond section (not shown in FIG. 5, see 44 in FIG. 6) is such that theinterface between the two sections forms a lip (not shown in FIG. 5, see42 in FIG. 6) that can provide a blocking surface to prevents thebiasing element 30 from being removed from the socket assembly (when theshroud portion 18 and base portion 20 of the socket assembly are in anassembled state).

In combination, the biasing and retention elements may serve to reducethe likelihood of a mounting ball being decoupled, or disengaged, fromthe socket under exertion of excessive forces on the mount assembly.

FIG. 6 shows an illustrative isometric projection of the shroud portion18 with the shroud portion oriented so that an inner surface thereof ispresented. FIG. 6 shows four fixing element receiving channels 36, whichcorrespond to the holes 34 of the base portion 20. Viewed in thisorientation, lip 42 formed by the interface between first section 40 andsecond section 44 is now visible. The biasing element cannot passthrough aperture 38 due to the lip 42.

As described above, walls of the aperture 38 that define the firstsection 40 provides a retention element that can serve to inhibitmovement of the ends of the plurality of resilient members 15. Thus, incombination with the biasing element 30, the retention element increasesan inward bias of the resilient members 15 in a direction inwardly intothe socket, and so increases a force exerted on a mounting ball locatedin the socket 16. This provides a system that allows pivotal movement ofthe mount element 14 relative to the socket assembly 12, but whichprovides a resistance to prevent movement of the mounting elementrelative to the socket assembly in the absence of user-applied force.This may allow a user to set a position of the mount element 14 relativeto the socket assembly 12 without having to use an additional element toset the position (e.g. tighten a nut). The biasing and retentionelements may provide enough resistance to relative movement between themount element and the socket assembly such that, when the mount assemblyis subjected to vibrations and/or acceleration forces, e.g. when avehicle is in motion, an accessory coupled to the mount assembly doesnot move after being set by the user. Additionally, decoupling, ordisengagement, of the mounting ball from the socket assembly underexertion of excessive forces may be inhibited.

FIG. 7 is an illustrative isometric drawing of the mount element 14 whenviewed from a first position. The mount element 14 comprises a mountingball 46 disposed at one end of an arm 48. The mount element 14 comprisesa device engagement element 50 disposed at an opposite end of the arm48. The mounting ball 46 has a diameter that is of a size to permit apush-fit engagement of the mounting ball 46 with the socket 16 of socketassembly 12, which, as described above, provides a frictional engagementbetween the mounting ball 46 and the socket 16. Additionally, the deviceengagement element 50 can be used as an electromechanical couplingbetween an electronic circuit housed in the mount assembly 10 andelectronic circuitry of an accessory coupled to device engagementelement 50.

A bore 52 that extends through the mounting ball 46 and arm 48 providesa passage between the mount element 14 and the socket assembly 12 for anelectrical connection. This may be provided by use of a wire, or cablethat extends therethrough. As described below, this can provide anelectrical connection between a first electronic circuit, such as a GPSmodule, contained within the socket assembly 12 and a second electroniccircuit, located in device engagement element 50 of mount element 14.

Mounting ball 46 comprises at least one formation extending from asurface thereof. In the illustrated example, the at least one formationcomprises two vanes 54 that extend radially from the surface of themounting ball 46. When the mounting ball 46 is located in the socket 16of socket assembly 12, the vanes 54 occupy the channels 28 between theresilient members 15.

Interaction of the vanes 54 with walls of the channels 28 can restrictmovement of the mounting element relative to the socket assembly. Thus,the interaction of the vanes 54 with walls of the channels 28 may serveto inhibit pivotal movement in the direction Y (see FIGS. 1 and 2, i.e.about a yaw axis) to a relatively small amount and inhibit rotationalmovement in the direction R (see FIGS. 1 and 2, i.e. about a roll axis)to a relatively small amount, whilst permitting pivotal movement in thedirection P (see FIGS. 1 and 2, i.e. about a pitch axis) to an amountlarger than permitted in the Y and R directions. That is to say thevanes 54 are configured to interact to inhibit rotational movement andpivotal movement about a yaw axis of the mounting element 14 relative tothe socket assembly 12.

When the mounting element 14 is pivoted in the direction ±R, the side ofthe vanes 54 engage with the walls of the channels thereby preventingany further movement in that direction. However, and as described above,motion of the mounting element 14 in the direction P is permitted over amuch larger range of relative movement because the vanes 54 move throughthe channels 28 until an end 56 of a vane 54 engages the bottom of achannel 28.

FIG. 8 is an illustrative isometric drawing of the mounting element 14when viewed from a second position. In FIG. 8, the bore 52 is moreclearly visible.

As indicated above, the socket assembly 12 may comprise an electroniccircuit, for example a GPS module. An illustrative sectional view of themount assembly 10 is shown in FIG. 9, which is described below.

A first electronic circuit 58 in the socket assembly 12 can beelectrically coupled to a second electronic circuit 60 located inmounting element 14. Data of the first electronic circuit 58 (e.g. dataof a GPS module) can be communicated to the second electronic circuit 60of mounting element 14 by way of an electrical connection 62. Theelectrical connection 62 passes from the first electronic circuit 58 tothe second electronic circuit 60 through the bore 52. The bore 52provides a conduit from the socket assembly 12 to the mounting element14.

Furthermore, an electro-mechanical coupling between an accessory and themounting element 14 can serve to transfer the data from the secondelectronic circuit 60 to the accessory coupled to the mounting element14.

Providing a GPS module in the socket assembly 12 may result in the GPSmodule being positioned closer to the exterior of a vehicle in which itis situated. For example, if the device is a dash cam to be mounted to awindshield of a vehicle, the GPS module contained within the socketassembly 12 of mount assembly 10 is closer to the windshield, which mayimprove a line-of-sight connection between the GPS module and a remotedevice. For this reason, a mount assembly 10 with a GPS module 58located in the socket assembly 12 as described above may provide moreaccurate measurements from the GPS module 58.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention described above, thesocket 16 of socket assembly 12 is described as comprising a pluralityof resilient members 15. In the illustrated embodiment there are fourresilient members. However, it would be apparent to a person skilled inthe art that there may be other arrangements with greater, or fewerresilient members to define the socket 16. In an optional arrangement,the socket 16 may be defined by a single resilient member, which maycomprise a circular flange.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention described above, thebiasing element 30 comprises a helical spring. In optional arrangements,the biasing element may comprises any other arrangement or device thatprovides a resistance to the outward movement plurality of resilientmembers 15, i.e. any other arrangement or device to provide acompressive force acting inwardly on the plurality resilient members 15.

Any references made herein to orientation (e.g. top, bottom, upper,lower, front, back, and rear) are made for the purposes of describingrelative spatial arrangements of the features of the apparatus, and arenot intended to be limiting in any sense.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,”“including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is notnecessarily limited to only those elements but may include otherelements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary,“or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example,a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true(or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or notpresent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (orpresent).

In addition, the terms “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements andcomponents of the invention. This is done merely for convenience and togive a general sense of the invention. This description should be readto include one or at least one and the singular also includes the pluralunless it is obvious that it is means otherwise.

In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a personskilled in the art that various modifications may be made within thescope of the invention. For example, embodiments in accordance with theinvention are not limited to any of the particular materials disclosedherein. Other materials suitable for performing the function describedherein for a particular material may also be utilized in embodiments ofthe invention.

The scope of the present disclosure includes any novel feature orcombination of features disclosed therein either explicitly orimplicitly or any generalisation thereof irrespective of whether or notit relates to the claimed invention or mitigate against any or all ofthe problems addressed by the present invention. The applicant herebygives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features duringprosecution of this application or of any such further applicationderived therefrom. In particular, with reference to the appended claims,features from dependent claims may be combined with those of theindependent claims and features from respective independent claims maybe combined in any appropriate manner and not merely in specificcombinations enumerated in the claims.

1. A mount assembly for mounting a device to a surface, comprising: asocket assembly; a mounting element comprising a mounting ball formationreceivable by the socket assembly to pivotally couple the mountingelement to the socket assembly, wherein the socket assembly comprises aresilient member configured to define a socket to receive and engage themounting ball formation, the member configured to permit the mountingball formation to be urged into the socket against a resilient bias; themount assembly further comprising a surface interface member configuredto provide a frictional interface between the outer surface of themounting ball formation and an inner wall of the socket defined by theresilient member.
 2. The mount assembly according to claim 1, whereinthe surface interface member comprises a non-abrasive material.
 3. Themount assembly according to claim 1, wherein the surface interfacemember comprises a resilient material.
 4. The mount assembly accordingto claim 1, wherein the surface interface member comprises an elasticmaterial.
 5. The mount assembly according to claim 1, wherein thesurface interface member comprises a malleable material.
 6. The mountassembly according to claim 1, wherein the surface interface membercomprises a silicone type material.
 7. The mount assembly according toclaim 6, wherein the surface interface member comprises silicone.
 8. Themount assembly according to claim 1, wherein the surface interfacemember is disposed on an inner wall of the resilient member.
 9. Themount assembly according to claim 1, wherein the surface interfacemember is disposed within the base of the socket.
 10. The mount assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the socket assembly further comprises abiasing element to bias of the resilient member into the socket.
 11. Themount assembly according to claim 1, wherein the socket assembly furthercomprises a retention element configured to inhibit deflection of an endof the resilient member away from the socket.
 12. The mount assemblyaccording to claim 11, wherein the retention element comprises a shroudconfigured to form a portion of a housing of the socket assembly, theshroud comprising an aperture into which an end of the resilient membercan extend, the aperture defining a limit to which the end of theresilient member can be deflected.
 13. The mount assembly according toclaim 12, wherein the mounting element is receivable in the socketassembly through the aperture of the shroud.
 14. The mount assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the mounting element is rotatable withrespect to the socket assembly.
 15. The mount assembly according toclaim 10, wherein the biasing element comprises a resiliently biasedmember.
 16. The mount assembly according to claim 15, wherein theresiliently biased member comprises a spring member located around theresilient member.
 17. The mount assembly according to claim 16, whereinthe spring member comprises an elastic material extending around aperimeter of the resilient member.
 18. The mount assembly according toclaim 17, wherein the spring member comprises a torsion springconfigured such that the links of the torsion spring extend around aperimeter of the resilient member.
 19. The mount assembly according toclaim 1, wherein the socket assembly is configured to affix to asurface.
 20. The mount assembly according to claim 1, wherein themounting element is configured to affix to a surface.